Bukit Dinding


Bukit Dinding is a forested hill with published height of 291m in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, nestled in Setiawangsa and Wangsa Maju.
It is officially recognized with a published height of 291 meters.
This hill is noted for its steep and challenging gradients. It functions as a natural barrier that separates the Kuala Lumpur suburbs of Wangsa Maju and Setiawangs. Locally, it is often regarded as the "last remaining green lung" amid the dense urban environment, serving as a quick yet routinely visited natural retreat.
The hill is situated near notable landmarks such as the infamous Highland Towers and Bukit Antarabangsa, both of which form part of the main Titiwangsa Mountains.

Geology

Historically, Bukit Dinding was known for its waterfalls and served as a crucial watershed for rivers supplying water to Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. In the 1880s, it formed part of the Hawthornden Rubber Estate Company and Gonggang Estate. With the rapid development of Kuala Lumpur in the 1980s, the government acquired these rubber estates for residential suburb development. Renamed Wangsa Maju and Setiawangsa, the entire estate was designated for residential purposes and sold to housing developers.
The geological formation of Bukit Dinding was mapped as the oldest formation of the Kuala Lumpur area. This formation is called the "Dinding Schist" – is estimated to be 3400m thick, and consists of quartz-mica schist and quartzite with subsidiary actinolite, diopside and epidote schist and schistose conglomerate. In other words, it means coarse grained metamorphic rock which consists of layers of different minerals and can be split into thin irregular plates – making it unstable.
Ancient lineaments and faults existed on the hill range as a watershed to two KL rivers; Sg. Gombak and Sg. Klang. Groundwater used to be captured, stored in these ancient intersection lineaments and then transmitted downhill by linear lineaments to the rivers and faults in the area. The catchment has 2 faults and hot springs near the faults i.e. one is identified as Setapak Hot Spring.
In the 1880s, exploitations begin where this hill range was mined then transformed into a large rubber estate, featuring terraces and irrigation for rubber tree plantations.
Geological academicians believe the Dinding Schist formation and the hot springs as geological heritages that are precious and worth preserving.

Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna

Bukit Dinding has traditionally been perceived as lacking biodiversity being a secondary forest, remnants of its past as a mining site and part of the Hawthornden Rubber Estate. Nevertheless, recent surveys indicate its potential transformation into a vibrant natural reserve, akin to successes seen in Taman Rimba Kiara and FRIM Kepong, which were once rubber plantations and mining sites respectively, now flourishing with diverse flora and fauna.
Initial findings have identified 175 tree species, including old rubber trees, Acacia, Atrocarpus species, Leucaena species, and Alstonia augustifolia. with ongoing surveys. Additionally, Bukit Dinding supports at least 88 butterfly and 43 bird species, including endangered varieties like the Black Paradise Flycatcher and Javan Myna, underscoring its conservation significance.
The area is home to the indigenous Black Bat Flower, thriving under specific environmental conditions. Bukit Dinding also have several wildlife, including the Asian Leopard Cat, snakes, lizards, civet cats, monkeys, and wild boars, often encroaching into surrounding residential areas. There are various bird species, including woodpeckers, abound, many await further identification by experts.

Activities and attractions

The steep gradients of Bukit Dinding makes it particularly challenging for both hikers and mountain bikers. The trails often feature sharp inclines and declines, which can be quite demanding on physical endurance and technical skill. The elevation gain is significant over relatively short distances, contributing to its reputation as a more strenuous hiking and biking destination. The trails are rugged, with many sections that require careful navigation due to the steepness and natural obstacles.

Mountain Biking & Downhilling

The Bukit Dinding Downhill Race is an annual mountain biking event that takes place on the challenging slopes of Bukit Dinding, located in the urban landscape of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Known for its adrenaline-pumping downhill segments, the race features a route that navigates rugged terrain, sharp turns, and technical obstacles.
The race route spans various trails within Bukit Dinding, incorporating both natural and man-made features that challenge riders to showcase their speed, agility, and technical skills. The course is designed to push participants' limits while adhering to strict safety protocols. Marshals are stationed along the course to guide riders and ensure a smooth, safe flow of the event.
Typically attracting skilled mountain bikers, the event draws both local and international participants. Riders are motivated by the reputation of Bukit Dinding's challenging terrain and the high standards of organization maintained by Scarfox. The race serves as both a competitive platform and a celebration of mountain biking culture and community spirit.
The Bukit Dinding Downhill Race, often abbreviated as BDDH, has grown in popularity over the years. The following is a record of the major editions of the race:
  • BDDH 1.0: 25 & 26 December 2015
  • BDDH 2.0: 24 & 25 February 2018
  • BDDH 3.0: 2 & 3 March 2019
  • BDDH 4.0: 6, 7 & 8 March 2020
  • BDDH 5.0: 4 & 5 March 2023
  • BDDH 6.0: 12, 13 & 14 July 2024
Each edition of the race has contributed to the event's reputation as a premier downhill competition, continually attracting hundreds of participants from various countries.

Recreation & Fitness

  • Hiking and Trail Running: Bukit Dinding is frequented daily by hikers and trail runners. During the Malaysia Movement Control Order in 2021, the number of visitors surged as local residents embraced the hill as a convenient open space for exercise and escape. A complete loop along the tarmac road measures approximately 5 kilometers, providing a circuit that leads to the peak and returns to the starting point.
  • Training Ground: The hill serves as an ideal training ground for individuals preparing for more challenging climbs, such as Mount Kinabalu. Completing three loops of the main trail is widely regarded as an indicator of optimal fitness for tackling tougher ascents.
  • Trail Network: The introduction of the additional access i.e. Kazumi trailhead, along with the organization of trail network by Friends of Bukit Dinding, has enhanced Bukit Dinding's reputation as an accessible yet challenging advanced forest trail, drawing hikers from both nearby and distant regions.

    Outdoor Sports and Events

Bukit Dinding also functions as an outdoor sports venue for local clubs and groups, with organized weekly runs and other recreational activities. A highlight in the sporting calendar is the Bukit Dinding Challenge , an annual endurance running event that has become a flagship competition on the hill.
The BDC features a grueling relay, as well as 6-hour and 12-hour endurance running competitions, typically held over a 12-hour period from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Major editions of the event include:
  • BDC 1.0: 8 October 2017
  • BDC 2.0: 3 December 2018
  • BDC 3.0: 4 & 5 February 2023
  • BDC 4.0: 11 & 12 May 2024

    Conservation Effort

Since 2022, there has been an ongoing proposal to designate part of Bukit Dinding as a permanent forest reserve. Currently in the advocacy stage, the initiative is being championed by environmental groups actively raising public awareness, gathering community support, and engaging with government agencies to advance the proposal.

History

1870: A Battle Location of the Klang War (1867-1874)

In 1870, the surroundings of Bukit Dinding became the location of one of the battles fought in the Klang War / Selangor Civil War between Raja Abdullah, the administrator of the Klang Valley, and Raja Mahadi, the claimant of that position. The full account of the battle in Bukit Dinding area is quoted here: "Mashhor himself made his way to Chong Chong's camp near Batu Ampat, and suggested an immediate counter-attack, before Ah Loy's men could consolidate their position. Chong Chong agreed with the proposal and that night led a force estimated at about 1,000 men towards Ulu Klang. Mashhor is said to have followed him with an equal force, but advancing by a different route. There is actually only one direct line of approach from Ampang to Ulu Klang, that is up the river valley. It seems probable that Mashhor took this course, while Chong Chong made his way round through the present Gonggang and Hawthornden Estates, to the west of Bukit Dinding. In the meantime Hiu Fatt and Tung Khoon had returned to their improvised camp at Ulu Klang. During the night they were woken by sounds of firearms and shouting, and discovered Mashhor's force in front of their position. They immediately gave orders for a direct attack to be made on the enemy. While it was in progress Chong Chong's men came up from the rear, presumably along the north flank of Bukit Dinding and down the valley of the Sungei Gisir. The Capitan China's men were thus trapped between two larger units of the enemy. Fortunately Ah Loy had decided that evening to re-inforce his troops at Ulu Klang, and had sent Chung Piang out to them with 400 men. These arrived in the middle of the conflict, and presumably in the rear of Chong Chong's encircling force. After a long struggle, in which the Capitans' losses amounted to over 40 killed and 100 wounded, Chong Chong was forced to retreat to his stockade at Ampang, "after sustaining a heavy loss".."